How to travel from Swanage to Brighton, United Kingdom

The distance between Swanage and Brighton is around 186km (116 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to drive which takes around 2h 20m.

2 routes found

We've found 2 different ways to get from Swanage to Brighton by train and car. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.

👋 Also check out BrightonSwanage if you're planning a return trip.

💰 Cheapest
1
train
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train
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Train

Take the train to Southampton Central and then to Brighton.

  • Duration2h 60m
  • Departshourly
  • Typical cost
    £95($115)
Operated by

Multiple train operators

🚀 Fastest
2
car
+

Drive

Drive to Brighton.

  • Duration2h 20m
  • Distance188km (117 miles)
Get turn-by-turn directions

Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Swanage and Brighton

There are several options for getting from Swanage to Brighton by train and car. The cheapest option is to take the train which costs around £95 ($115) and will take around 2h 60m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can drive and arrive in approximately 2h 20m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately £33 ($39).

The distance between Swanage and Brighton is around 186km (116 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 130km (81 miles)

It takes around 2h 60m to get from Swanage and Brighton by train. If you are travelling by car it will take around 2h 20m to drive there.

The quickest way to get from Swanage to Brighton is to drive which takes around 2h 20m and will set you back approx £33 ($39).

The cheapest way to travel between Swanage and Brighton, if you exclude driving, is to take the train which will typically cost around £95 ($115) for a standard one-way ticket.

Train travel

Yes there is a train service that runs between Swanage and Brighton. It typically takes around 2h 60m and departs hourly.

There are no direct train services that runs from Swanage to Brighton. However, you can instead can take several connecting trains with a changeover in Bournemouth and Southampton Central. These services run hourly and will take a minimum of 2h 60m.

South Western Railway, CrossCountry, Southern Service and Great Western Railway run train services between Swanage and Brighton. Trains depart hourly and will take around 2h 60m, however, this may vary depending on the particular service and whether it runs express or stops all stations.

Bus travel

Sorry, looks like there is no bus service that runs between Swanage and Brighton. We recommend that you drive to Brighton. instead which will take 2h 20m.

Flights and Airlines

It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Swanage to Brighton. We recommend that you take the train to Southampton Central and then to Brighton. instead which will take 2h 60m.

The closest major airport to Brighton is Gatwick Airport (LGW) (LGW) which is approximately 37km (23 miles) from Brighton. Heathrow Airport (LHR) (LHR) and London City Airport (LCY) (LCY) are also nearby and might be a better alternative airport depending on where you are flying from.

Drive yourself

Yes it is possible to drive from Swanage and Brighton. The distance is around 188km (117 miles) by road and it will take around 2h 20m in normal traffic conditons.

If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Swanage to Brighton is to take the train which takes, on average, 2h 60m and will usually cost around £95 ($115).

How do I get from Swanage to Brighton

Compare travel optionsbetween Swanage and Brighton

Transport options from Swanage to Brighton
Transport optionDurationCostFrequencyDistance
Train
2h 60m
£95($115)
hourly186km (116 miles)
Drive
2h 20m
£33($39)
on demand188km (117 miles)

Top Carriersoperating between Swanage and Brighton

Train operators

Airports near Brighton

The following major airports near Brighton offer regular flights to various popular destinations within United Kingdom and internationally.

LGW
Gatwick Airport (LGW)
International Airport
Distance
37km (23 miles) from Brighton
LHR
Heathrow Airport (LHR)
International Airport
Distance
75km (47 miles) from Brighton
LCY
London City Airport (LCY)
International Airport
Distance
77km (48 miles) from Brighton